Fix FIFA / FC 24 'Unable to Connect to EA Servers' (SSL Handshake)

Updated: 11/29/2025

You have built the perfect Ultimate Team, you queue for a match, and the spinning circle freezes. Then comes the message: 'Unable to connect to the EA Servers at this time. Please check your network connection.'. This is the most common error in FIFA/FC history. While EA's servers are often to blame, if your friends are playing and you aren't, the issue is your local SSL handshake failing to authenticate with the EA network.

Table of Contents

Method 1: The 'Date & Time' Desync Fix

It sounds unrelated, but EA's security certificates require your console or PC clock to match their server time exactly. If you are off by even a minute, the SSL handshake fails.

Step 1: Open Date Settings

On PC, right-click the clock and select Adjust date/time. On PS5/Xbox, go to Settings > System > Time.

Step 2: Force Sync

Toggle 'Set time automatically' OFF and then ON again. If there is a 'Sync Now' button, click it. Restart the game immediately.

Method 2: Google DNS (The Lag Killer)

EA servers often reject connections from generic ISP DNS addresses due to traffic congestion. Switching to Google's public DNS creates a cleaner route.

Step 1: Network Settings

Go to your console or PC Network Settings and choose Manual DNS.

Step 2: Enter Coordinates

Primary: 8.8.8.8
Secondary: 8.8.4.4

Save and restart your device. This often fixes the 'disconnect after match' glitch too.

Method 3: Clear MAC Address (Xbox/PC)

A stuck Alternate MAC address can confuse the EA login server.

Xbox Users: Go to Settings > Network > Advanced Settings > Alternate MAC Address > Clear. The console will restart.
ipconfig /flushdns

PC users should run the flush command in Administrator CMD to achieve the same effect.